At the beginning and end of the walk there are some steep sections of trail that are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The National Park has a varied landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild . The Stables Bar next to the Monsal Head Hotel is a characterful rustic pub for a drink and bite to eat after your walk. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Today, its considered an attractive part of the view but back then it caused a scandal. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the views. During peak hours 8am 6pm Up to 1 hour 1.50. We encourage you to contact the individual parking operators to verify the information. Its popular as its easily accessible to everyone and its now one of the most photographed locations in all of the Peak District National Park. Also, this is where youll head out on the Monsal Trail walk by heading down the steps to the path below. +44 1629 761 100. All printable downloads are 1.50 each. Lovely trail, a few steep bits but worth it for the views! Walk highlights: Monsal Dale valley, River Wye and views of the viaduct from above and below. Take ALL your rubbish home to dispose of and remember close gates (as you found them). The path then continue across a second bridge, with another small gap to squeeze through! South Park Group, Los Angeles, TOM MEREDITH Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here, Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. The Monsal Head viewpoint came about with the introduction of the Midlands Railway in 1863 which connected London with Manchester. From cafs, pubs, a popular ice cream truck, and picnic spots. So, youll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monsal Dale with very little effort! There are also public toilets located at the long stay car park at Monsal Head. Its only 1 all night which is perfect if you wanted to visit for sunset photos or grab some dinner from the Stable Bar. CarPark owner, Joseph G. reached out to me. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Stage 1 Monsal Head to Monsal Dale Weir, Stage 2 Monsal Dale Weir to Monsal Head. Youll see a walking sign pointing to either side of the steps and from here, there are some amazing angles for photos. Follow along the river little more, so then cross back over and climb back up to Monsal Head view point. As a result of my CarPark experience, he and his top managers have created signage transparency for both consumers and his staff. If youre looking for a longer circular Monsal Head walk, read our Ashford-in-the-Water walk to Monsal Head (6.2km). You can access Monsal Head by car. Sort by: Distance Price Relevance. The way soon crosses the first of a series of viaducts before plunging into Chee Tor Tunnel. The path leads up through the woodlands back to Monsal Head. Surprising experience. Legacy Partners, 1600 Vine, Los Angeles. Monsal Head Walk Suitability for family: This walk is great for families with children of any age. Lovely trail on a sunny afternoon. (Less of a strenuous climb). Monsal Dale weir. There are also pay and display car parks at: Coaches can be parked at Bakewell's Agricultural Business Centre near the town centre and at Monsal Head car park. On allPeak District family walksits a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. How long does it take to walk? Postcode is: DE45 1NL.WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Amazing views of Headstone Viaduct across Monsal Dale, an impressive weir, and you walk right underneath the viaduct too. For over two decades we have prioritized guests' safety and security with top customer service. This is at no extra cost to you. Monsal Dale from Monsal Head Car Park Difficulty easy. A bit of a struggle up and the path is narrow so you will need to give way/be close to others so bare in mind if your dog is reactive. Places . Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. view from pitches, facilities etc Maximum length 100 characters, Buxton, Derbyshire, England, DE45 1NL, United Kingdom, Navigate to this location using Apple Maps. Thank you very much . I stayed at this campsite for 1 night with a group of friends following a great day's walking around Monsal Head. Merge onto Ashford Lane/B6465 and follow it for 1mi before turning left onto Ashford Lane. This path goes through a tunnel under the main Monsal trail. Beautiful scenery all round. Required fields are marked *. Are you enjoying the walks? 2 photos. You will soon see stunning views to your left over Monsal Dale. Find parking charges, opening hours and a parking map of all Monsal Head car parks, street parking, pay and display, parking meters and private garages. Filter. The campsite is well located on the B6465 (Ashford Lane) north west of Bakewell, Derbyshire almost on the edge of the spectacular Monsal Head, which is well worth a visit if only to look out over the beautiful Derbyshire landscape. 10. Now 2 hours. The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District's most spectacular limestone dales. 3/28/2017. You can either choose to grab a drink and some snacks or a pub meal from their menu of dishes. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. The public can now experience the full length of the former railway route at their own pace and see breathtaking views at places like Water-cum-Jolly Dale that have remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968. 8am to 6pm (Day time) Please see below for length of stay (hours) and charges. Really enjoyed your walk from Monsal Head to the viaduct. There are two car parks that have been provided at the Monsal Head viewpoint and there are two parts to the viewpoint. Its also popular with walkers on the Monsal Trail. But, in order to build the Monsal Dale station, the Midlands Railway needed to construct the Monsal Headstone Viaduct for the line. Or if you fancy making the walk longer you can add an extra out and back to explore more of the beautiful Derbyshire Dale, Monsal Dale. The Hobbs Cafe Monsal Head opening times is from 11am 4pm on Thursday to Sunday. Take ALL your rubbish home to dispose of and remember close gates (as you found them). Great river spots for the dogs to have a swim and cool off & some wonderful views. So, you can visit all times of the year whenever you like! Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. This is a wonderful circular route in the Peak District National Park that begins in Monsal Head and visits the River Wye, Deep Dale Nature Reserve, Great Shacklow Wood, Little Shacklow Wood . The Monsal Head viewpoint is also free to visit, you just have to pay for car parking charges which apply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! As you approach the Headstone Viaduct, you will spot people cycling along the top, this is the Monsal Trail. Theres also an ice-cream van here (cards accepted), which is usually open weekends and school holidays. Where is the best place to stay for the Monsal head walk? 3. Walk along the path, it splits shortly after but keep on the lower path, heading downhill, signposted Monsal Dale Weir. Beautiful scenic walk, nice and steady steep at some points What is there to see and do on the Monsal Trail? Have you got the bottle to help create a plastic free Peak District? 7.55. Car Parks Street. Or, if youre heading to Monsal Head by bus there is a Bakewell to Monsal Head bus service. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. Cross the bridge and follow the path up to the small road. The Monsal Trail is in the centre of the Peak District National Park, starting just north of Bakewell, 10 miles north of Matlock and 8 miles west of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Walk down the stairs in either direction to meet the Monsal trail below. Most of the route was opened to the public . We made a few stops and went through the tunnel and back before ending at the stating point. When this railway was constructed, multiple buildings were built on top of Monsal Head for railway workers and visitors along with the Railway Hotel. Thank you very much . Thank you so much. If the weather is fine, why not pick up some ice cream from their Monsal Head Ices truck which is just outside? Click here to join the Peak District Kids Facebook Group. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., essential items to take on a family hike in the Peak District. If you enjoyed one of our walks, you can show your support by buying me a coffee. Peak District National Park has 45 car parks, 18 of which have a Pay & Display system. Love the walks in the Peak District? There is plenty of things to see on this exciting walking and cycling trail through the heritage railway line. It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former Midland Railway Line closed in 1968. 2011-2019 INRIX Inc. All rights reserved. Both the short stay and long stay Monsal Head car parks are open 24 hours a day and parking charges apply all day. Stay safe this winter and read our Winter Walking Tips. So, if you did want to visit with fewer crowds, I would recommend early morning or late evening after sunset. Two shorter tunnels - Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting already formed part of the Monsal Trail. Lovely walk even for our 4 year old. Corporate Volunteering and Sponsorship for Businesses, Monsal Trail - Work to re-open the tunnels, How to get to the Monsal Trail by bus or train, Find out more about the work to re-open the tunnels. Even if this place is busy, you can still get amazing photos from the lower viewpoint which will be in front of Hobbs Caf Tearoom and over the B-road. at the footpath signs with the ice cream booth to your left take the path to the right . Nearby you can also explore the Thornbridge outdoor centre, Cressbrook dale and Peters stone. Car parks are shown on the Monsal Trail map. Please follow us and use the #peakdistrictkids hashtag so we can share with our wider community. *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. This well lit route allows cyclists and walkers to enjoy the tunnel section of the trail that links monsal dale to Bakewell. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. Need more help planning your Peak District trip? Continue straight on to reach the Monsal Head car park, with picnic benches, a pub and a tea room for refreshments if needed. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. For an EPIC view point dont miss Bamford Edge. There are some nice ways to extend the Monsal Head walk. Chapel Street Longnor Pride and Prejudice Filming Location The Real Lambton Inn! Although this is a private road and not accessible for car, there is a public right of way for pedestrians along this road. Start: Monsal Head SK185715; Roadside Parking or Pay & Display. At the end of the farm building, once youre through the gate, take the footpath on the right. The route is closer to 1.5 miles, so a great short loop, however you do have the walk back uphill so be sure to add on extra time on the way back! Other routes include services operating from Chesterfield and Sheffield to Bakewell and also to Buxton via Tideswell and Millers Dale. 4. Most of the route was opened to the public in 1981 but four former railway tunnels had to remain closed due to safety reasons, with public footpaths taking people around them. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. 6541 Hollywood Blvd #203, Los Angeles, CA 90028, copyright 2017 carpark inc. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. 14667703, info@peakdistrictkids.co.uk | work with us. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Perhaps print out a copy for the kids to follow the step-by-step directions and/or photos? For specific fees and more information about car parks and parking permits, please visit. It provides amazing views over Monsal Dale valley, the Monsal Viaduct, River Wye, and beyond! Visit ourhiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit). website by w brand studio, newport beach, Valet Your Directions were easy to follow and spot on. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Ended up tagging on a 15k walk down monsall trail to the end and back! HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this would be a 1 hour walk, but with young kids, allow a good 1.5-2 hours.STILE: One squeeze stile. Monsal Head is a historic viewpoint and lookout in the Peak District National Park which sees thousands of tourists visit each year. Thanks so much! After 50 metres the path splits in two. Click here for more details on the Monsal Trail walking route. We have a longer trig walk coming soon to include Wardlow and High Rake trig points. Ah so lovely to hear Im glad you had a wonderful walk in the rain! Look out for Mandarin Ducks as they are often in this area. 2. However, this is a lovely well maintained site which offers stunning views. Ashford in the Water, Derbyshire DE45 1NL, UK. Just before you reach Monsal Weir you will walk through a wooden gate. 1 2 hours. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Left click to hear in your web browser, or right click and choose 'Save Link As' to save to your computer or MP3 player. Thank you so much. Or, you can head into the pretty town of Bakewell to try the famous Bakewell Pudding or a Bakewell Tart. It's totally free and you get so much more by joining in! Check prices here for theone month or yearly option with OS Online App. The campsite is well located on the B6465 (Ashford Lane) north west of Bakewell, Derbyshire almost on the edge of the spectacular Monsal Head, which is well worth a visit if only to look out over the beautiful Derbyshire landscape. The path now gradually begins to incline and youll get some more beautiful views of the viaduct on your right. This is at no extra cost to you. Monsal Head car park Take the footpath on the right that leads through the woodland and down towards the River Wye. And dont forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition compass. Today, its still a popular stop for people who want to see some of the best views in the national park or those who want to experience the popular Monsal Trail. Car parks are shown on the Monsal Trail map. AND dont miss these UNIQUE places to stay in the Peak District. This gradually leads you back up to the main viewpoint where this circular Monsal Head walk began. It's located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. If you park at the top of the long stay car park behind the Monsal Head hotel, there is a small cordoned-off area on the hill with some benches provided which is perfect for a picnic. Quite steep on the way back but as long as you stagger it, it will be fine. If you park in this layby there is a small path (on the other side of the wall) that leads back to Monsal Head. toddler friendly walks in the Peak District, UNIQUE places to stay in the Peak District, Yorkshire Holidays for Families | 16 Getaway Ideas for 2023, 40 Things to do in Bali with kids ULTIMATE GUIDE 2023, Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City Chiang Mai 2023, 7 BEST areas to stay in Chiang mai 2023 LATEST GUIDE, The 5 best beaches in Phuket for family 2023 Thailand guide, Reopening Thailand 2022 FULL guide (latest update May 2022). Please note that swimming and paddling in the river here is not permitted and fencing has been erected to protect Monsal Weir. Follow this path for 380 metres. South Park Group, SEAN HASHEM Weve just completed the short Monsal Head walk and your guide has been invaluable. Find parking charges, opening hours, postcode and a parking map of Millers Dale B6049 as well as other car parks, street parking, pay and display, parking meters and private garages for rent in High Peak. Or visit the Peak District Kids shop. So, you could take in the views at Monsal Head, then carry on down the hill towards the valley to see the spectacular views of the Monsal Dale below! The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District's most spectacular limestone dales. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. We stayed at Park House Campsite in 2012 having read generally good reviews. Plenty of parking. Hard in places very busy. In winter it can get rather foggy so be sure to keep eyes on the route. Saying that, whichever place you decide to park, the area is quite small and the walking distances here are extremely short. Great if you don't have much time. Bookings; Monsal Head. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. There are community toilets available at the start of the walk at Monsal Head car park (the block near the entrance). The site provides hot showers and washing facilities. A Parking Management Company, born in Hollywood, CA, TOM MEREDITH From this viewpoint, you get breathtaking views of Monsal Dale, the Monsal Head Viaduct, and the River Wye below. Follow the road down past the houses and you will see a small bridge crossing the river. nice food at the pub too, Amazing easy trail suitable for families with small kids. PayByPhone location number 806397. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Login in to view the coordinates. Pretty steep at the end, we chose the path on the left to start was a nice steady decline. Surprising experience. There are many entrance points to the Monsal Trail along the route between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill at Chee Dale see our map. For online maps, you can get via OS Online App or Viewranger App. If you walk through Headstone tunnel you can walk to Hassop and Bakewell along the Monsal trail. Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak Districtand find the best walks direct from your accommodation. Car parking can be paid using the 'contactless' button and then using a card if you haven't got change. The Monsal trail waterfall is a real highlight on this walk. I love writing about the weird, wonderful, bookish, magical, and historical on my blog. Be aware that there are some steep sections of path and steps. Continue along the footpath for another 100 metres and walk over the footbridge to cross over the River Wye. Date of experience: April 2018. The path is narrow and gradually continue downhill, through another gate and then you reach the River Wye and Monsal Weir. Our parking management services include consulting to identify the most cost-effective options for achieving your goals, reducing risk while earning guaranteed monthly income from solid leasing agreements, revenue control, parking vendor selection, accounting and reporting, transportation logistics, event parking, or maintenance and concierge & wayfinder services. Both are very different things. 1.5-mile route. Monsal Dale is located in the White Peak limestone area of the Peak District National Park. From Monsal Head car park, down to Monsal Weir on the River Wye then loop back under the viaduct back to the top. Brilliant for dogs that like swimming! Turn left and walk towards the wall where you join the footpath, theres a signpost for Monsal Dale and Ashford, pointing left. As you approach the base of the Headstone Viaduct, climb through the stone squeeze stile that takes you right underneath. Cross the road diagonally left to go through the largest wall gap. Lovely evening walk when the crowds have gone, Loved this trail, really interesting, lots to see. The nearest train stations are at Buxton and Matlock but would require a bus journey to an access point. Please keep the Peak District beautiful and respect everyone who uses the park. We would like more people to use their bicycles for travel to and from work, for shopping and for leisure without using their cars. Iconic Monsal Head is where the impressive Headstone Viaduct, which forms part of the Monsal Trail, straddles the verdant Monsal Dale and the River Wye meanders aimlessly through. Proposals for reinstatement of a railway on the route of the trail, Abseiling from Bridge 75 on the Monsal Trail. Straight across A6 and go west following River Wye to . Its located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. The easiest way to reach Monsal Head is to drive as its high up in a remote location, but you can get here by bus and by walking up here too. Starting from the main view point by the Monsal Head Hotel, follow the footpath down into the dale to Monsal Weir, then across the other side of the River Wye to walk along its banks and to walk right underneath the Headstone Viaduct. Near Bamford Edge we also love Stanage Edge home to the REAL Robin Hoods cave. Your email address will not be published. Do check out our top tips for hiking with young kids, as well as our essential items to take on a family hike in the Peak District. Be careful with your footing as there are tree roots and stumps that stick up along the footpath and there is a steep drop to the right. Monsal Head then became a popular attraction for tourists who would take coaches up here from Monsal Dale station to admire the views. The sunsets behind this viewpoint and so the sun will be directly in your camera in the afternoon. Although the hill has been here since time immemorial, this valley became industrialised in the Victorian era due to the Midlands Railway that was opened in 1863. This Monsal Head walk enables you to see the viaduct and valley from above, to cross the viaduct and see the Headstone bridge and then to walk underneath the viaduct. Its a traffic-free route that takes you along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles from Blackwell Mill, Chee Dale with the famous stepping stones, and eventually Bakewell. Each tunnel is about 400 metres long and will be lit during normal daylight hours. The views are stunning but take care on the walk up or down to the viaduct, as its a little rocky and steep in places. Four of the longer tunnels are lit during daylight hours, dawn to dusk, to make them safe to use. Peak District National Park has 45 car parks, 18 of which have a Pay & Display system. Your email address will not be published. Thats right, its called Monsal Head Viewpoint and it provides panoramic views which require very little effort!